Personal statement
Based on core expertise in electrochemical sensing and device fabrication my research aims to develop improved diagnostic tests for clinically important conditions such as, drug resistant bacterial infections, COVID-19, sepsis, cancer and epilepsy. In the group we work on a range of sensor systems, from high value microfabricated arrays through to low cost devices for use in resource limited settings.
Some examples of projects under my supervision include -
- Development of a rapid, comprehensive test for sepsis
- A diagnostic assay for drug resistant Gram-negative infections
- Realising the liquid biopsy for improved cancer diagnosis
- A novel antibiotic susceptibility test
- A lab-on-a-chip for multi drug resistant TB diagnosis in low/middle income countries
- New diagnostics for COVID-19
I joined Strathclyde in 2016 as a Chancellor's Fellow in Health Technologies, becoming a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biomedical Engineering during 2019 and a Reader in 2021. I have a background in biological and chemical sensing having obtained a PhD in Bioanalytical Chemistry from Cranfield University followed by periods of Post-Doctoral research at Southampton and Edinburgh Universities. Past achievements include development of an assay for MRSA which was patented and licensed for development, the award of a Longitude Prize Discovery Award during 2017 for a project called "Microplate" and with colleagues from the University of Leeds, development of a microelectrode sensor for prompt diagnosis of hyper inflammation.
Areas of particular interest include: electrochemical and optical techniques, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), microfabricated sensor systems and microelecrode sensor arrays for multi target diagnostic assays.
My work is often highly interdisciplinary involving industrial partners (e.g. GSK, National Nuclear Laboratory, AstraZeneca, Lifescan, Aptamer Group, Flexmedical Solutions, Biotangents and other SMEs) and projects rely on close collaboration with other academics, including: clinicians, microbiologists, neuroscientists, electrical engineers and chemists.
I also have expertise of electrochemical sensing in harsh and extreme environments and aqueous & non aqueous electroplating. Prior to joining Strathclyde, I was involved in developing a microelectrode sensor for use in nuclear fuel reprocessing (as part of the EPSRC sponsored "REFINE" project) and played a role in designing and comissioning an open access national facility for nuclear fuel reprocessing research at the University of Edinburgh.